The health care provider gives the preoperative nurse a signed consent form and walks away rapidly. The client turns to the nurse and states, "I don't know what is going on. Why do I need surgery?" What is the most appropriate action?

Question

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Informed consent requires that the health care provider performing the procedure explain everything to the client's satisfaction (within reason). Signed consent may be witnessed by the nurse. If the client does not fully understand informed consent, the nurse must notify the health care provider or refer up the chain of nursing command. The nurse is not responsible for verifying that the client understands the procedure and its respective risks. (Option A) This would be appropriate if the health care provider refuses to talk to the client. (Option B) This is not the nurse's responsibility; this request would have to be relayed up the chain of nursing command. (Option D) This is premature; the incident is isolated and not all facts are known. Educational objective: Clients may not consent to an invasive procedure without being informed of the clinical reasoning, consequences, and possible complications.

The Health Care Provider Gives the Preoperative Nurse a Signed